The twin mantras of a great personal finance strategy is to make extra money ^[2] and spend less than you earn. If you’re making all you can, maybe there are some sneaky savings strategies you can employ to save some cash and keep a few more dollars (or rupees, yuan, yen, euros, or pesos) on your pocket.

Another great way to save some cash each month is to pick up your phone and make a few calls.

1. Call your credit card company. If you’re maintaining a balance (and hopefully working to become debt free), call your credit card ^[3] company and ask for a lower interest rate. The national average is around 12 percent so don’t be shy to ask if they will lower it, especially if you have a great history with them. If you never carry a balance, ask if they will waive the annual fee. Now’s the time to do it. With the economy ^[4] stumbling along, issuers may be more willing than ever to work with you.

2. Call your mortgage company. If you have a rate higher than 5.5 percent, you may be able to save some cash by refinancing your mortgage. With rates at historic lows, you might be able to lock in a fabulous rate with a shorter term and pay off that loan earlier. Don’t “pull out” equity and waste it on consumable items though. You’re defeating the purpose.